Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah, often known simply as Mala Rajya Laxmi, is an Indian politician and a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She has been noted for her contributions to public service, particularly in the state of Uttarakhand. Here are the details of her life and career:
Early Life and Background
- Birth: Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah was born on December 15, 1950, into the erstwhile royal family of Tehri, a princely state in Uttarakhand. She was born to Maharaja Manabendra Shah and Maharani Indira Devi.
- Family: Her father, Manabendra Shah, was a notable political figure who served as a Member of Parliament (MP) from Tehri Garhwal for several terms. Her background as a member of the royal family has often played a role in her public life and political career.
- Education: Mala Shah pursued her early education in India, but specific details about her higher education are not widely documented.
Personal Life
- Marriage and Children: Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah is married to Kunwar Pradip Vikram Singh, who hails from another royal family. The couple has two children.
Political Career
- Entry into Politics: Mala Shah’s political career began in earnest after the death of her father, Manabendra Shah, in 2007. She decided to follow in his footsteps and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
- Member of Parliament: In November 2012, Mala Shah was elected to the Lok Sabha (the lower house of India’s Parliament) in a by-election from the Tehri Garhwal constituency in Uttarakhand. This victory marked her as the first woman MP from Uttarakhand and continued her family’s legacy in this constituency.
- Re-Elections and Tenure: Mala Shah was re-elected in the 2014 general elections, representing Tehri Garhwal. Her tenure was marked by her advocacy for development initiatives in Uttarakhand, with a focus on infrastructure, education, and women’s empowerment.
Political Influence and Activities
- Advocacy and Focus Areas: Throughout her political career, Mala Shah has focused on regional development, especially in rural and remote areas of Uttarakhand. She has been an advocate for improved infrastructure, education, healthcare, and women’s rights in her constituency.
- Public Service: Known for her accessible style of politics, she has maintained a connection with her constituents, regularly engaging in community outreach and addressing local issues. She has often emphasized preserving the cultural heritage and promoting tourism in Uttarakhand.
Legacy and Impact
- Royal Heritage: Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah’s royal lineage has given her a unique position in the political landscape of Uttarakhand, allowing her to leverage her background to serve her community while maintaining a public image that blends tradition and modernity.
- Women in Politics: As one of the few women politicians in Uttarakhand, her presence in the political arena has helped to promote greater female representation in Indian politics.
Later Life
- Current Status: As of recent records, Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah continues to be involved in politics, although she has maintained a relatively low profile compared to other politicians. She remains an influential figure in Uttarakhand, particularly among the rural and traditional electorate.